I’ve practiced yoga for 15 years now, dabbling with different styles of teaching and different styles of breathing. When I started practicing, I practiced an Ashtanga style that offered many physical benefits. It tuned me into my body, I learned how to breathe better and overall I was in great shape. It felt good in my body and helped me to get stronger in my mental body.Although I was practicing other styles of yoga like Vinyasa and Anusara, I was very resistant to the classes that were described as “gentle” or “restorative.” My ego was constantly convincing me that these practices would weaken me and that I needed to keep practicing more vigorous styles. Even when my body was worn out, I would still roll out my mat and push harder than I needed to. I did this for 9 years. It wasn’t until I started feeling pain in my neck and lower back that allowed me to take my practice deeper. When I say deep, I mean I literally allowed myself to try more gentle practices.

      What I have discovered through this journey is that gentle styles of yoga literally allow you to let go and just breathe. One of my favorite things about yoga is the breath. I enjoy the subtle transformation that comes with the breath. I love that when you just allow yourself to breathe, you can actually reach the essence of what it feels like to be alive.

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      Imagine yourself laying in a comfortable position, one that your body can hold for 15 minutes. While laying in this position you can allow the breath to carry you back to your source. That place of oneness and peace. If you are willing you can allow yourself the space for deep healing. This healing is where your subtle body merges into oneness with your physical body. When these two bodies merge, they heal your WHOLE self.

      Yoga, the union of all things ONE, is a practice. We go to the mat to practice so that we can show up for life.

       I love all styles of yoga. I still enjoy practicing vigorous styles that challenge me. It’s the balance that I seek, which allows me to practice with a balanced perspective.

      Relax and Renew is a great class to take when looking for a more therapeutic style. Stressed? Busy trapped in a job or relationship? Need to take a timeout from your own daily grind? Relax and Renew will teach you to breathe and be still. It will hold you as if you are a new born baby being held in the arms of your mother.

Relax and Renew is followed by the practice of Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra is a conscious sleep. Yoga Nidra is a highly powerful ancient meditation technique originated from the Tantras. It is the scientific way to eliminate the root cause of all the negativities. In yoga nidra, you not only enjoy the complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation but also get to explore the tremendous powers hidden in the deeper layers of subconscious and unconscious mind. Yoga nidra is a more efficient and effective form of psychic and physiological rest and relaxation than the routine sleep. A single hour of yoga nidra is as restful and refreshing as four hours of conventional sleep.

      Join me for Relax and Renew on the 2nd and 4th sunday of each month at 6:00pm at Charlotte Family Yoga and starting in September on wednesdays at 5:30pm at Charlotte Family Yoga.